On Sunday post-match discussions were once again dominated by Owen and the proposed talks regarding a new contract.
The fact that Rafa Benitez confirmed he had Owen checked out for a proposed move last summer has sparked the Toon striker to believe he could return to Liverpool.
Benitez said he pulled out of an offer because Owen's injury record was a major concern. But Owen is back to full fitness and he is showing he is playing as well as ever.
The England international has still not given a definitive answer as to whether he intends to stay, although there are plenty of positive indications in his general behaviour, while Keegan is confident he will agree to become the long-term figurehead of the side.
Keegan: "I think he will he stay. He likes it here and we want him here. He is the most important signing we have to make. He is a key player, a leader who leads by example. I think the fans are seeing the very best of him and they like what they see. I'm delighted.
"It would be foolish to search the world for players and not keep the ones who are proven and have the character needed to play for a club like this. We have to keep the quality we have.
"The fans know a great player here. They like their heroes to get sweat on their shirts, like Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley. Michael is no exception to that. If they don't like him now they never will. They had to learn to love him because of the games he has missed with injury, but I'm sure they won't have a bad word said about him now."